Austral Bricks is set to transition its operations in Horsley Park, Western Sydney in Australia, from fossil fuels to renewable energy - following government approval for a new $81.4 million (€48.8 million) bioenergy facility.
The project, backed by the Minns Labour Government, will support the company’s shift to using biogas produced from organic waste, reducing its carbon footprint.
Austral Bricks has operated in Horsley Park since the 1960s. The approved development will enable the site to replace natural gas with green gas generated through anaerobic digestion. The resulting renewable gas will be used to generate both electricity and heat for the facility and to fire brick manufacturing kilns.
The bioenergy plant will divert up to 150,000 tonnes of organic waste from landfill annually, using materials from commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential sources.
Once operational, the facility is expected to support the production of more sustainable bricks.
The development is anticipated to create over 250 jobs during construction, representing a significant economic and environmental investment in the local area.
Austral Bricks is partnering with Delorean Corporation, a renewable energy firm, to build and operate the facility.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said: "The Minns Labour Government is backing local businesses as they transition to low-emissions production. Austral Bricks’ move into bioenergy is a practical demonstration of how industry can drive the state’s decarbonisation agenda."
He added: "Bioenergy offers a dependable and renewable alternative to fossil fuels, playing a vital role in the circular economy by transforming waste into valuable energy resources."
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure conducted a thorough assessment of the proposal, addressing key issues such as traffic management, noise, air quality, biodiversity, and site access.
Dr Hugh McDermott, Member for Prospect, welcomed the investment, stating: "Austral Bricks has a proud history in Horsley Park, and this project secures its future as a sustainable manufacturing leader. It’s an excellent example of industry stepping up to meet environmental challenges while reinforcing long-term job opportunities."
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